COUNCIL planners are expected to rubberstamp the construction of two 50kw wind turbines in Eifionydd – despite objection from the nearby Snowdonia National Park.

Both turbines, in Garndolbenmaen, would stand at 34 metres to the tip, located at Llystyn Ganol and Derwin Fawr farms.

Both applications have been made separately by the relevant landowners, but a turbine already stands at Derwin Fawr with the proposed development to stand alongside the existing structure.

Council officers recommend the planning committee should approve both applications despite opposition by the Snowdonia National Park and The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales.

The supporting document on behalf of the Llystyn Ganol developers, reads: “This proposed project will improve the sustainability of the business by safeguarding from ever increasing energy costs, safeguard energy security, move towards a low carbon existence, as well as supporting government initiatives, by investing in a small scale 50kw wind turbine on the unit and harvesting the wind to produce renewable energy for the farming operations and his home at Llystyn Canol, together with gaining an additional farm income from supplying the national grid with renewable energy under the Feed in Tariff scheme.”

But as part of the consultation period, Snowdonia National Park expressed concern that the turbine’s proximity – 350 metres from the park’s boundary – would have a visual impact.

Their statement reads: “(We) consider that the cumulative impact of the turbine, and other proposed turbines in the area between the Park and the boundary of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will be detrimental to amenities and views out of the Park.

“There are concerns regarding the area’s capacity to accommodate more vertical elements (eg turbines and pylons) in this landscape without impacting on the setting of the two designated areas.

“Due to the above reasons, the National Park Authority objects to the application.”

Concerns have also been expressed by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, which hold concerns over the development in Llystyn Ganol.

“The development is located in an open area on land which is 140 metres above sea level.

“The structure would lie only 650 metres from the village of Bryncir and this is the fourth application for a similarly sized turbine within a three mile radius.

“It is obvious that the structure, in reality, would lead to a dispersed windfarm which would not be subject to necessary planning reviews.”

A public consultation garnered only one letter of objection for the Llystyn Ganol development, and five for the structure in Derwin Fawr.

A decision will be made by the Planning Committee on Monday, June 18.

A planning application has been lodged by Revolution NRG to install two 71 metre, 250kw wind turbines on land belonging to Pentyrch Isaf, Pencaenewydd.